Youngstown council asks state to maintain 3 judges in muni court

City council voted 4-3 today on a resolution asking the state Legislature to maintain three municipal court judicial seats in Youngstown.

But that vote doesn’t look like it will change the current makeup of the city’s municipal court system.

Mayor Charles Sammarone disagrees with the majority vote, saying the city’s judicial branch needs to cut costs, and not filling the seat vacated July 31 by Robert A. Douglas Jr. through his retirement is a good start.

Also, a spokesman for Gov. John Kasich, who put off filling the vacancy in July at the request of Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor, told The Vindicator tonight that “nothing’s changed from where we sit.”

The elimination of a city municipal court judicial position requires a vote by the state Legislature under Ohio law.

State Rep. Robert F. Hagan of Youngstown, D-60th, who supports the elimination of a city judge, said he plans to wait until early next year to introduce legislation on the issue.

For the complete story, read Thursday’s Vindicator or Vindy.com

Don't Miss a Story

Sign up for our newsletter to receive daily news directly in your inbox.